If watching Jamal win Latika’s heart broke yours, then it might be a good idea to have some Scotch tape ready because the joy-joy feelings “Slumdog Millionaire” elicited in theaters are extending into reality. I had no idea that Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail — who played young Latika and Salim in the film — were actually still living in the slums when director Danny Boyle discovered them in.

But in a twist of fate that could make for an equally compelling movie of its own, both young actors and their families have been pulled out of the slums by Mumbai’s housing authorities and set up in honest-to-goodness apartments. “It means so much to get a proper flat,” Rubina’s father said. “For three generations, we have been in this slum — now we may get out of here. I never dreamed of owning a flat.” Despite all my urges to see this as the most amazing story of the year, I can’t help but think of those families on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” You know, the ones who are gifted with insane mansions because their kids are allergic to sunlight (true story), which forces them into bankruptcy because they can’t afford to live there anymore. Fingers crossed these families are able to stay in their new digs once all the “Slumdog” fervor dies down.